Chelsea Owusu and Austen Achterberg first met as lab partners in their high school chemistry class. Although the two didn’t start officially dating until after graduation, the pair remained close friends throughout the years, and when they reunited and started reminiscing about the old days, “sparks finally flew,” Chelsea says.
“On a family trip to Hawaii, we had spent the last day soaking in the beach and sand for hours—I was so exhausted, but everyone insisted on group photos at sunset. Begrudgingly, I gave in and got myself cleaned up with Austen,” Chelsea recalls. “I didn’t suspect a thing until it was our turn for a couple’s photo and he suddenly turned to face me and took my hands. My entire family was surrounding us as he reminded me of our story, our connection, and the possibilities in our future together.” Chelsea and Austen were met with copious cheers, happy tears, and exploding Champagne bottles once she said, “Yes,” to his proposal and the sun set on Waikiki beach.
As Austen is an avid golfer and Chelsea is especially drawn to unique architecture, Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia suited the couple seamlessly on the day-of. Noelle Ahmad of Silk and Slate Co. brought Chelsea’s vision to life, as Keila Bottiglieri of Abby Jiu captured every moment. Holly Weaver of Paper Refinery created a custom invitation suite.
When asked of her wedding wardrobe, Chelsea simply replies, “Two words. Anny Choi.” The bridal stylist helped Chelsea determine her wedding weekend style, and from there, the pair chose looks for each wedding moment. “I love fashion but had trouble at the beginning of outfit selection due to trying to figure out what style version of me I wanted to highlight at the wedding,” she explains. “Through an exploration of various fashion avenues, I found myself drawn to the elegance of clean lines and a minimalistic approach. This revelation became especially evident when curating ceremony outfits with Anny.”
For the ceremony, Chelsea stunned in a dress from Vera Wang’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection, which she paired with Dior slingbacks and a custom cathedral-length veil by Patricia Voto of One/Of. After the nuptials, Chelsea changed into another custom One/Of style. “The reception dress was a custom piece I am forever in awe of,” the bride says. The raindrop crystal mini dress featured a flattering skin-tone mesh, an important detail for the bride, and hand-beaded accents, “which made dancing so much fun!” she says.
Austen donned a custom tuxedo by Enzo Custom, and while the bride switched into something new for the reception, so did the groom. He chose a sage Alton Lane look. Ngozi Edeme created Chelsea’s glowing day of beauty look.
On May 12, 2023, guests gathered on the golf course decorated with bright florals. Kente fans sourced from Ghana accented every seat—a nod to the bride’s African heritage and ancient olive trees lined the aisle. Chelsea met Austen before loved ones and the two exchanged vows before sealing it all with a kiss. Once announced officially wed, the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle as everyone tossed flower petals.
Afterward, everyone dined on a menu specially curated by the couple, featuring all of their favorite fare. Locally sourced Italian entrees were served alongside espresso martinis and shots of limoncello. Family members and friends shared toasts before everyone indulged in the dessert table and looked to the dance floor. Chelsea and Austen cut into their cake—the bride’s favorite moment—and everyone spent the night dancing under the stars, celebrating the couple.
